Bloom Schedule
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2013 Peak Bloom: We have reached Peak Bloom status today April 9, 2013. Average Peak Bloom Date: April 4 __________________________________ The Peak Bloom Date and Blooming Period The Peak Bloom Date is defined as the day in which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) trees are open. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. Cherry Blossom Festival dates are set based on the average date of blooming (April 4), but nature is not always cooperative. Unseasonably warm and/or cool temperatures have resulted in the Yoshino cherries reaching peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958). The Blooming Period is defined as the period that starts when 20% of the blossoms are open and ends when the petals fall and the leaves appear. The Blooming period starts several days before the Peak Bloom Date and can last as long as 14 days; however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind and/or rain can shorten this period. During the Blooming Period, the National Park Service conducts annual Cherry Tree Walks and other unique programs around the Tidal Basin. These Park Ranger conducted programs present an interpretive look at the historical and cultural influence of the Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees in our Nation's Capital. For information on the dates and times of the walks and bike tours please call (202) 426-6841 and check out the Program Page. It is nearly impossible to give an accurate forecast much more than 10 days before the Peak Bloom and each year National Park Service Horticulturists monitor 5 stages of bud development and provide a forecast and updates as needed. The following is a comparative record of past bud development in which 70% of the buds reached each stage:
NPS Green Color in Buds: Late February to Early March
NPS Florets Visible: March, Average 16-21 days to Peak Bloom.
NPS Extension of Florets: Average 12-17 days to Peak Bloom.
NPS Peduncle Elongation:(Frost Critical) Average 6-10 days to Peak Bloom.
NPS Puffy White: Average 4-6 days to Peak Bloom.
Link to Maps of Cherry Tree Locations.
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Did You Know?
Rangers provide special talks, walks, biking tours, and more for Cherry Blossom Festival. More programs continue all year long. More...